UND-FB-FAN

You'd have to imagine the plan will be to stop the run and make Wentz beat you; however, that's dangerous territory as well. As a coaching friend once told me, when you pass the ball, three things can happen, and two of those things are bad. Focus should likely be to stop the run and bring pressure on Wentz, hoping for a sack fumble or deflected pass resulting in an interception. UND's defense will need to create turnovers for UND to have a shot.

Upgrading the Betty is a must, so when is it going to happen? Video boards for score, player stats, advertisements, and replays are necessary. Also, larger bleachers at the ends of the court to create a more "enclosed" setting. These things need to happen because high schools are starting to surpass the Betty in amenities.

I agree. Defense will be tough again this year but the offense is a question mark. After games against Wyoming and Drake, everyone should have a better idea how UND's offense will match up against NDSU's defense.

So with the likely suspension or dismissal of Clive Georges, would you say it's safe to say Alex Reed will be the #1 WR to start the 2015 season?

High school hockey/concerts are very few and far between. Again, UW and Kohl Center host concerts too. The REA can still host concerts and high school events no problem; they have a staff for just REA events!

"Nodakhoops" made a convincing argument and hit all the key points. If Wisconsin can use the Kohl Center for both MBB and hockey, why not UND? Yes, attendance will not be "full" in terms of the REA full capacity, but the total attendance will still be greater than the Betty will bring and the amenities are much better in the REA. A progressive, ambitious AD would make the MBB to REA switch happen.

Proof that the REA draws more than the Betty in terms of attendance (obvious why it would seem). The REA should host a few MBB games every season; my opinion for the reasons mentioned above. Faison should look into this.

This is not entirely true. Yes, UND may have to up the salary slightly, by maybe 20-30K, but there are plenty of proven DII winners out there looking for a shot at DI basketball. Remember, the game of basketball is still the same from DII to DI, just more competition. Jones did not demonstrate any head coach winning ability prior to his hire; DII coaches making less have at least won games and made good game-time decisions.

A change absolutely needs to be made after this season, or else the inevitable will just happen this time next season. Brian Jones has an overall record, from 2006 to the present, of 126-151. That's well under 0.500 after 9 seasons, and all coaching removals can be justified by losing, particularly if the sample size is large enough. From 2006-2008 in the DII NCC, Jones mustered out a 26-32 overall record and a measly 5-20 conference record. From 2008 to 2012, in the Great West Conference (where competition is especially weak), Jones and UND went 60-64 overall and 24-22 in the conference. As a member of the Big Sky Conference, an automatic bid DI league that gives UND basketball a great opportunity, Jones and UND have gone 41-55 overall and 28-29 in the conference. All records are unacceptable and should certainly support the removal of Jones. For those who suggest this a rebuilding year, I do not agree. UND went 0.500 in 2013-2014, so there should be improvement from that, not descent. Also, UND and Jones have recruited and developed poorly. The starting lineup is not absent of talent and experience; it includes 6th year Sr. Jaron Nash, DI Transfer Jr. Estan Tyler, and DI Transfer Jr. Terrel de Rouen. Also, coming off the bench, is Sr. Lenny Antwi. Lastly, there is a waste of potential and/or spots with Jr. Benton not even playing, and last year rotation players Sr. Calcaterra and Sr. Salmonson not even playing. The team is a mess and its because Jones did not develop and plan out his roster accordingly. This horrific 8-21 (4-13) season is largely on him.

I understand. Just as Jones allowed for the growth of Huff, Webb, Schuler, Brekke, and Anderson over their four year career? Oh wait, their senior year contained more loses than their freshman year. Those who think the talent coming in next season will turn this team from last to first are delusional. Next year should be better with Jones, but it almost certainly will be another losing season. No high school development - bunch of transfers everywhere.

They were coming out of a timeout before that possession. Maybe there should be more planned than just getting across half court and then dribbling into the corner?

Of course, Jones fails to let the team know the possession arrow is not in UND's favor and that they shouldn't dribble into a corner... That was an awful deal right there. Jones will get this team no where.

I think it's worth it to press all available connections for scheduling. You just never know what might develop or be open. Crazier things have happened, so no use to absolutely discount a Big Ten MBB game from ever happening in Grand Forks.

Again, what's wrong with possibly hosting NDSU, SDSU, and UNI in the REA during 2015-2016 season? Would be a great set-up and gesture towards UND MBB.

Minnesota's AD Norwood Teague signed off on the WBB team traveling to Grand Forks, and UND played a MBB game in Minneapolis in Dec. 2014, so perhaps worth a try getting a game in the REA. Would be a big crowd, especially if UND MBB can get their sh*t together. How about Nebraska and Tim Miles vs. UND in the REA?

http://www.undsports.com//fls/13500/stats/mbasketball/2011-12/und17.htm The January 2012 NDSU vs. UND game in the Ralph Engelstad Arena drew over 7,000 people. Certain games (NDSU, Montana, maybe even Minnesota) will draw large crowds, particularly in the REA. The REA is a great venue to watch any game --hockey or basketball-- and the Betty needs improvements and upgrades, desperately. Not having any video boards in the Betty is horrible and embarrassing; most colleges and even some high schools have them!

You know, this is tough for me. I know Brian Jones agrees with you, so I'm sure the 2015-2016 NDSU game will be in the Betty, but I just think the Ralph should be used to host some MBB games for recruiting purposes and the awe factor. It would give the players a glimpse of what it would be like to play for a Big Ten school and be valued by playing in large venues. The one thing MBB players I've spoke to don't care much about is the obvious discrepancy between the UND's MBB program and UND's hockey program. The basketball-hosting Betty sits adjacent to a building much larger which hosts hockey. It let's everyone know, regardless of familiarity, that UND MBB is an afterthought at UND relative to hockey. I think the MBB players and even fans would appreciate it more if the athletic department would work out one -maybe two or three - games per season in the REA just for the awe factor.

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/21792005/college-hockey-players-increasing-in-number-importance-in-nhl%3Cspan%20class Canadian Hockey League out-produces NCAA hockey; therefore, NCAA hockey is quite similar to FCS football in being second fiddle in terms of professional sourcing. UND fans need to understand that an FCS football national championship would bring just as much publicity to Grand Forks/North Dakota/UND as any college hockey national title would bring.

In the mind of President Kelley, the nickname issue is/was nothing more than a nuisance. Kelley does not want to be preoccupied with university athletic issues; he has very little interest in university athletics and his mindset has impeded the potential progress of UND athletics.

I could care less how many times you - or anyone else - have purely posted, but you have posted several times today regarding nothing more than anonymous posting and subjective descriptions, and that content I do think is telling. Quality over quantity.

You don't care what my other posts say? Well, your ignorance is to be expected, because, well, your post history has already formed a line of (or lack of) credibility for you on this site. Credibility is only formed on this board via post history and content trends. If you require definite credentials, that's fine, but don't criticize posters on this board because they happen to be anonymous. If you absolutely need to know credentials, you can go ahead and rely on face-to-face conversations where you can swap bios, drink some coffee, and discuss whatever it is that floats your boat of credibility.

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/041106aaw.html Alford demoted Jones prior to being hired at UND. He was moved to director of basketball operations and no longer considered an actual on-the-court assistant coach. Not a good event if looking for support of Jones' actual coaching/adjustments/game management capabilities.

Well, I have admitted the comment which included the words prick and idiot was biased and opinionated; however, I also stated that opinions are apart of this debate and the majority of my posts are much less prejudicial. Please don't criticize my position while overlooking the entirety of my opinion on this issue. Although the biased words I chose to use could've been replaced with something more proper in terms of etiquette, I still believe their meanings to hold true. My "attempt at rationalization" was a contextual explanation and not a rebuttal, although I can see how it would appear as one. I don't believe myself to be in a "hole"; in my opinion, the poster who criticized my comment does not hold such an authority or jurisdiction capable of backing me into such a "hole".

You are correct; believing someone is a prick or an idiot would be considered subjectivity, not objectivity. I openly admit that because I stated above that the only post of mine you comment on is "colorful". In that post, I decided to use contextual words to describe Brian Jones as, and only as, the head MBB coach at UND. I would like you, however, to also focus on my opinions comprehensively, and not only focus on a single aspect of my opinion regarding this situation. Picking and choosing is the easy way out of debate. Also, the current UND MBB staff certainly does face challenges, but does that make them immune to failing and incapability? I think not.

I post my honest opinions regarding UND athletics and the Grand Forks community on this site and the vast majority of my posts are without personal adjectives. The post you redundantly mention is but the only post that describes Jones colorfully; the others I've posted on this subject all assess facts and preferred directions for UND MBB. Perhaps you could touch on them? Posting anonymously does not alter the objective contents; therefore, debates regarding correctness are still very viable. If you believe identity shifts the realm of truth, then you're mistaken. The truth doesn't care who you are. Debate the facts and leave it alone. Your offense to such a minor detail is quite telling.